Delta Airlines looks at Virgin Atlantic swoop

US CARRIER Delta Airlines and its European partners are set to launch a bid to take control of Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Atlantic.

Delta Airlines are set to launch a bid to take control of Virgin Atlantic []

Delta, America's biggest carrier by passenger numbers, is said to have offered to buy Singapore Airlines' 49 per cent stake in Virgin Atlantic.

Delta's partner in the Sky Team alliance, Air France-KLM, would then buy part of Branson's 51 per cent stake, allowing the deal to meet aviation rules ensuring European airlines stay in European control.

We are always talking to many airlines on a number of different matters

Virgin

Delta and Air France-KLM are thought to have come close to a similar deal last year but failed over a row about price as well as Branson's rights to the Virgin brand.

The talks between Delta and Singapore are thought to be at an early stage.

Virgin said: "We are always talking to many airlines on a number of different matters but we never comment on the details of these discussions."